Study designs of evaluations included in the review
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were eligible for inclusion in the review.
Specific interventions included in the review
Studies of NMS were eligible for inclusion. The included studies compared NMS versus albuterol; albuterol plus NMS versus albuterol plus placebo; and NMS versus placebo. In some studies all patients received additional treatments such as hydrocortisone, albuterol, prednisolone or methylprednisolone. The dose of NMS ranged from 16 to 384 mg.
Participants included in the review
Studies of patients with asthma were eligible for inclusion. Most included studies were of adults, but one was of children and adolescents (aged 5 to 17 years) and one included both children and adults. The participants in some studies were reported to have reduced peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) or forced expiratory volume in 1 second, or to have moderate to severe asthma.
Outcomes assessed in the review
The studies were required to evaluate efficacy or safety end points. The efficacy outcomes included pulmonary function, clinical disease severity and rate of hospitalisation. The safety end points were as described by the individual trials.
How were decisions on the relevance of primary studies made?
Two independent reviewers evaluated studies for relevance. The authors did not state how any disagreements were resolved.